( as thor's voice cuts through his concentration, loki wonders — not for the first time — why he agreed to the study date in the first place. it hardly matters what they get up to behind closed doors, as long as they maintain the outward appearance of a relationship. loki reminds himself that it was useful for him to be seen getting into thor's car after school and driving away in the direction of thor's house. and it's useful for loki to build a rapport with thor's family, even if thor's dad is a little intimidating and hela is downright terrifying. ( in fact, if it weren't for thor's mom, loki would begin to question whether thor were adopted. )

and thor does genuinely need help with his schoolwork. no play-acting there. but it's probably dangerous to continue pretending like this is a date when there's no one around to impress. and thor, blessed with a golden heart and good looks, but cursed with a simple mind, could easily become confused if the lines are blurred too much, too often.

loki rolls his eyes and carefully dog-ears his page, setting his own book aside. ) And it's not a study date if I can't actually do any studying. ( he shifts closer to peer at thor's book, and their knees touch. ) I'm sure Jane was all too happy to do the work for you, but that's not part of our arrangement. Now, which equation are you stuck on, exactly?